Bucs Taking a Long Look at Bailey at the Senior Bowl

The Bucs do need some help on the D-line, and the St.Pete Times reports today that at the Senior Bowl, the team has their eyes on a guy that could give them a life in that department right away, and that’s Miami defensive end Allen Bailey

With the NFL draft still more than three months away, projections are about as reliable as those straw polls conducted two years before presidential elections. But there’s no masking the Bucs’ need to invigorate their pass rush.

One way to do so is to draft a pass rusher or two come April, maybe one of the prospects working out in Mobile at the Senior Bowl this week.

Coach Raheem Morris, also the team’s defensive coordinator, continues to emphasize the principle of drafting the best player with each pick, rather than based on team needs. But Morris does not understate the value of pressuring quarterbacks.

“All the great defenses have great rushers, whether they’re outside linebackers or defensive ends,” Morris said. “Great defenses have great rushers — period.”

Can the Bucs find one? They’re certainly trying.

One prospect who has drawn their attention is athletically gifted Miami defensive end Allen Bailey. A Senior Bowl participant projected as a potential first-round choice, Bailey met with four members of the Bucs hierarchy on Monday night, including Morris and general manager Mark Dominik.

On Tuesday, they watched him go against some of the best offensive linemen in the country during practice, trying to establish himself as an edge rusher. He often flip-flopped between end and tackle at Miami, but at 278 pounds, he won’t be seen as an NFL defensive tackle.

“I just want to work on my pass rush skills,” Bailey said. “I’ve playing on the D line for three years, but I’ve been bouncing around a lot. I want to show (teams) my pass rush skills. I tried to keep it to one position (at Miami) but you have to help out where you have to help out.

“I know I have a bull (rush) but I’m trying to add a few other things. I’m switching things up a little bit.”